PREDICT Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'predict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predict are forecast , foretell , prognosticate , and prophesy . While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature. // astronomers predicted an eclipse

Q: How are the words 'forecast' and 'predict' related?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties. // forecast snow

Q: Where would 'foretell' be a reasonable alternative to 'predict'?

While the synonyms foretell and predict are close in meaning, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information. // seers foretold the calamity

Q: How does the word 'prognosticate' relate to other synonyms for 'predict'?

Prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy . // prognosticating the future

Q: When can 'prophesy' be used instead of 'predict'?

The words prophesy and predict can be used in similar contexts, but prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises. // prophesying a new messiah

predict

verb

pri-ˈdikt

Definition of predict next

as in to read

to tell of or describe beforehand I can't even begin to predict what housing prices will be like 30 years from now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word predict different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predict are forecast, foretell, prognosticate, and prophesy. While all these words mean "to tell beforehand," predict commonly implies inference from facts or accepted laws of nature.

astronomers predicted an eclipse

How are the words forecast and predict related?

Forecast adds the implication of anticipating eventualities and differs from predict in being usually concerned with probabilities rather than certainties.

forecast snow

Where would foretell be a reasonable alternative to predict?

While the synonyms foretell and predict are close in meaning, foretell applies to the telling of the coming of a future event by any procedure or any source of information.

seers foretold the calamity

How does the word prognosticate relate to other synonyms for predict?

Prognosticate is used less often than the other words; it may suggest learned or skilled interpretation, but more often it is simply a colorful substitute for predict or prophesy.

prognosticating the future

When can prophesy be used instead of predict?

The words prophesy and predict can be used in similar contexts, but prophesy connotes inspired or mystic knowledge of the future especially as the fulfilling of divine threats or promises.

prophesying a new messiah

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of predict Above average precipitation: Areas predicted to have above average precipitation include parts of the Northwest and the middle U.S., including Arkansas and Mississippi, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New York. —

Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025 Two sharp non-Padres scouts, speaking in this column at the time, predicted that Cease would have a better season than reigning Cy Young award winner Blake Snell. —

Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025 Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter recently predicted the Braves to swing a blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire starting pitcher Erick Fedde. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 Elijah Oliveros-Rosen, chief emerging markets economist at S&P Global Ratings, predicted Mexico also would fire back with targeted tariffs. —

Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for predict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predict

Verb

Log in or create an account FREE of charge to continue reading.

— Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 31 Jan. 2025
In the last eight years, only 1 in 5 nominations and wins have gone to women, the report read.

— Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025